Hampton, NH 2020 Town Warrant Articles In the Know …...Mar 03, 2020 · This document is intended...

This document is intended to help Hampton voters understand the Warrant Articles that will appear on the ballot on March 10, 2020. Each Article is explained, and there is a short statement about what those in favor say about it, and what those opposed say. A separate downloadable document can be used to jot down your decision on each Article. You may bring those notes about your choices to the Ballot Box to save time. There is a link to a sample ballot on our home page (https://intheknowhampton.org). You can also print that, fill in your choices and bring it with you to the voting booth to save time. Article 1: Election of Officers To choose by non-partisan ballot: Two (2) Members of the Board of Selectmen for terms of three (3) years; One (1) Treasurer for a term of three (3) years; One (1) Moderator for a term of two (2) years; One (1) Supervisor of the Checklist for a term of six (6) years; Two (2) Trustees of the Trust Funds for terms of three (3) years; Two (2) Trustees of the Lane Memorial Library for terms of three (3) years; One (1) Trustee of the Lane Memorial Library for a term of one (1) year; Two (2) Members of the Planning Board for terms of three (3) years; One (1) Cemetery Trustee for a term of three (3) years; Two (2) Members of the Budget Committee for terms of three (3) years; Two (2) Members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for terms of three (3) years.

What it means: In the chart above, note that there are 3 contested races, outlined in yellow. All other positions have candidates equal to (or less than) the number of openings. You have the option to write in the name of a candidate for any position.

Hampton, NH 2020 Town Warrant Articles

In the Know Hampton Your Source for Unbiased

Town Information

of 25 © InTheKnowHampton.org 2020. This document is provided as a community service by a private group. The Town of Hampton has not reviewed this document nor is it responsible for it in any way.

Articles 2-9 are Zoning Articles

No one spoke either for or against any of the Zoning Articles at the Deliberative Session, other than to explain them. Articles 2-9 have no tax impact. Article 2: Zoning – Modify the Definition of “Use Change” Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 1 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article I – General. Section 1.6 “Definitions” to modify the definition of “Use Change” to clarify that Use Changes apply to proposed non-residential uses, to indicate that changes of building occupancy involving any use of a non-residential nature require Use Change Approval from the Planning Board (regardless of similarity or not to the former use) if located in the Town Center-Historic District and to state that any use which, in the opinion of the Building Inspector or the Town Planner, requires Planning Board approval in order to safeguard the health, welfare, convenience and safety of Hampton’s citizens and recreational guests shall require Use Change Approval. Amend Article II – Districts. Section 2.8 F to delete Note #3 regarding the Use Change Approval requirement for all non-residential changes of building occupancy in the Town Center-North and Town Center-South Districts. What it means: The requirement for Change of Use approval from the Planning Board for all changes of building occupancy of a non- residential nature (such as retail to retail) would no longer apply to the Town Center-North (TC-N) and Town Center-South (TC-S) districts. However, such approval would still be required in all zoning districts when a use is changed to a dissimilar non-residential use (such as retail to personal service establishment). Additionally, the definition of “Use Change” is amended to include the review protections that currently exist within the Site Plan Review Regulations. Article 3: Wetlands Conservation District – Clarification Relating to “Decks” and Allowances When There are No New Impacts Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 2 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article I – General. Section 1.6 to add language that a deck is considered to be pervious if it is elevated at least 6 feet off the ground and permeable underneath. Amend Article II – Districts. Sections 2.3.1, 2.3.2, and 2.3.3 by moving the description of 1st through 4th order streams to the Wetland Conservation District definition, replacing “inland wetland” with “freshwater wetland”, removing the impervious coverage definition, and simplifying the “Permitted Uses” section to remove redundancies. Add language that allows the Building Inspector to approve the replacement or repair of previously permitted fences, sheds, and decks that are maintaining the same square footage and not encroaching further into the Wetland Conservation District. What It Means: This language specifies that decks are considered to be pervious if they are at least 6 ft. off the ground with permeable material underneath. It also simplifies the language and improves readability. If


this article passes, the Building Inspector will be able to approve the in-kind replacement of previously permitted fences, sheds and decks in the Wetlands Conservation District, simplifying the process of securing those approvals for these projects that have no new impacts. Article 4: Revised definition of the Highest Observable Tide Level Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 3 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article II – Districts. Section 2.3.2 Wetland Conservation District Ordinance to revise the definition and delineation for the Highest Observable Tide Line to be consistent with the NH Department of Environmental Services Wetland Bureau. This revision includes removing two outdated Appendices. What It Means: This Article changes how the Highest Observable Tide Line (HOTL) is defined and delineated, and makes the definition consistent with the NH Dept. of Environmental Services. The previous definition was based on outdated manuals that are no longer relevant. Article 5: Added Definition of Mitigation and Examples of Mitigation Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 4 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article II – Districts. Sections 2.3.2 and 2.3.7 Wetland Conservation District Ordinance to add language that defines and provides examples of wetland and buffer mitigation. What it means: This Article adds a definition of “mitigation” to the appropriate sections of the Wetlands Ordinances where no such definition previously existed, and provides mitigation examples. Article 6: Floodplain Management Ordinance Consistent with FEMA Regulations Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 5 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article II- Districts. Section 2.4 Floodplain Management Ordinance to add language under 2.4.11.C Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zone VE), Construction Standards (subsection 2.c) requiring that breakaway walls have flood openings that meet the existing criteria for enclosed areas below the lowest floor. What it means: This Article adds language to the Floodplain Management Ordinance to make it consistent with current FEMA regulations for construction in the VE zone. The new language requires that breakaway walls have flood openings that meet the existing criteria for enclosed areas below the lowest floor. Article 7: Clarification of Dimensional Requirements in the Business Seasonal District Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 6 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article IV – Dimensional Requirements. Section 4.4 to apply Footnotes 27A and 32 to the Business-Seasonal zoning district. Modify Footnote 27A to require that no architectural appurtenance shall extend to a point greater than 60 feet in height in the Business-Seasonal zoning district measured vertically from the established average grade plane, and to clarify that the existing 80-foot limit applies to the


Business-Seasonal 1 zoning district. Modify Footnote 32 to require, as part of any permitting process for applicable structures on the easterly side of Ocean Boulevard, a shadow study from a qualified consultant for new structures exceeding 50 feet in height and for modifications to existing structures that would exceed 50 feet in height. What it means: This Article specifies height requirements and allowances for architectural appurtenances (such as in-ground swimming pools, a fence or shed that are fixed to the land) in the Business-Seasonal Zone. It also requires a shadow study be conducted by a qualified consultant for new structures or modifications to existing structures on the east side of Ocean Boulevard that would exceed 50 ft. in height. Article 8: Driveway Setbacks for Lots in Residence B Zoning District Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 7 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article IV – Dimensional Requirements. Section 4.5.2 (Minimum Side Setback) and Footnote 16 to require a minimum of 12 feet on one side lot line in the Residence B zoning district, to provide for an adequate driveway on one side or the other of the lot. In these situations, the current requirement will remain unchanged for the opposite side lot line. Additionally, where the legally required parking is provided in front of the dwelling, underneath the dwelling, or by structural attachment to the dwelling, the shorter of the aforementioned setbacks shall apply to both sides of the lot. Further, pre-existing lots of record with less than 50 feet of frontage may have a side lot line setback opposite the driveway side that is reduced to not less than 4 feet to accommodate a dwelling unit and driveway on the lot. What it means: Article 8 adds a footnote that further defines and specifies driveway setbacks for lots in the Residence B zoning district. Article 9: Dimensional Requirements Re: 12-foot setback in the Wetlands Conservation District Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 8 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows? Amend Article II - Districts. Section 2.3.7(C)(4) to cross-reference a proposed amendment to Article IV, New Section 4.9. Amend Article IV – Dimensional Requirements to add a New Section 4.9 which would include the existing requirement in Section 2.3.7(C)(4) for a minimum of 12 feet separating a dwelling structure(s) including attached garages from the Wetlands Conservation District. The existing requirement applies to the RAA, RA, RB, RCS, G, and I zoning districts, and would not change under this amendment. What it means: Article 9 adds a cross-reference to the existing requirement for a minimum 12 ft. setback separating a dwelling structure including any attached garages, from the Wetlands Conservation District.

Articles 10-42 are Town Sponsored Articles Article 10: Planning Services for Revised Master Plan ($125,000) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125,000 for the purpose of contracting professional services for the completion of a comprehensive update of the Town of Hampton Master Plan. The purpose of a Master Plan is to guide the overall character, physical form, and development


of a community and is required by law to be updated periodically. Hampton’s Master Plan has had only occasional updating since its inception in 1985. As Hampton is the most vulnerable Town in the Seacoast in several respects (such as flooding, potential impacts from sea level rise, drainage problems, etc.), it is essential to update our Master Plan in its entirety in order to meet more recent challenges and to better plan for the future. A professionally developed, forward-looking Master Plan is needed to preserve, protect, and enhance property values and the quality of life of Hampton residents, and to enable the Town to qualify for grants for projects that are otherwise financially beyond what the Town can afford. The Master Plan update will be conducted with the assistance of a qualified professional consultant(s), and will include a robust public participation process. The Town has been successful in securing grant funding in the amount of $45,000 from other sources to accomplish specific parts of this project. The additional $125,000 must be raised and appropriated through this Article to provide for the concurrent completion of all Master Plan components, resulting in a Plan that is fully current, comprehensive, and user-friendly. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purpose of this Article is completed or by December 31, 2023, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: A Master Plan is a blueprint for the future. It guides decisions such as how much open space should be sought in the town, how much development should be allowed, and how the Town evolves. It is a comprehensive, long-range plan that will guide decisions over the next 10-20 years. Article 10 would fund a professional planning service to help with the update of the Town of Hampton Master Plan. Those in favor say: A Master Plan is required by statute, with revisions recommended every five to ten years. Our current Master Plan was adopted in 1985, with some subsequent chapter amendments since that time. Having a current Master Plan will allow the Town to be more competitive for grant funding, and to evolve in the vision of the residents, with more possibility of funding from outside sources. The process of establishing a revised Master Plan will encourage better relationships between the various departments. It’s for the future, and it’s by the people – what do we want our community to look like? We need something to guide development. Many decisions are made with reference to a Master Plan, which was last updated when our population was about 8,000 people – roughly half what it is today. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: If Article 10 is approved, it will create an additional one-time tax cost of $13.20 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .033 to get your cost. Article 11: Discontinue Board of Cemetery Trustees Shall we discontinue the Board of Cemetery Trustees by delegating their duties and responsibilities to the Town Manager? What it means: The duties of the Board of Cemetery Trustees would be transferred to the Town Manager. The Cemetery Trustees, founded via a 1979 Special Town Meeting, currently manage the operation of the cemeteries, recommend items that require funding, and suggest funding mechanisms. In 2016, the voters approved a Warrant Article that allowed funds for maintenance of the cemeteries to be withdrawn from both the principal and the interest of the Cemetery Maintenance Trust. Having done so, funding for required maintenance is more straight-forward, as long as the principal (currently more than $600,000) lasts. Those in favor say: The type of maintenance work required for the cemetery often involves coordination with the Town. By assigning these responsibilities to the Town Manager, duplication of effort is avoided.


Those opposed say: By definition, the Cemetery Board has a focus on the cemeteries, including physically walking them from time to time to learn what is needed. Some who were opposed to disbanding the Board worry that the focus will no longer be there, and the cemeteries will suffer. Fiscal impact: No tax impact. Article 12 – Allow Sports Book Retail Locations in Hampton Shall we allow the operation of sports book retail locations within the Town of Hampton? What it means: In July 2019, the HB 480 bill regulating sports betting was signed by the governor making sports betting legal in the State of NH. The betting will be regulated by the NH Lottery Commission. Six cities have approved sportsbooks throughout the state, with more towns voting for approval in the upcoming ballots. Of the towns that approve it, only 10 locations will be selected for retail betting. The money collected does not flow directly to the hosting municipality, but the availability of sports betting may attract more tourists to the area. Those in favor say: Having a retail sports betting location would attract more visitors to Hampton, and could benefit local charities. The state of NH will receive 51% of revenues. Money currently collected by the NH Lottery Commission is dedicated to education in the state, and it is assumed that would be the case with these funds as well. Those against say: Some people are concerned about unintended side effects of having more strain on our infrastructure with unclear benefit to the Town. Fiscal Impact: There is no direct tax impact to this decision.

Article 13 – Include Wastewater Assets in Our Asset Management Program ($30,000 – 100% Offset) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,000 to assist the Department of Public Works in the continued advancement for the Town’s Asset Management program for Wastewater Assets. Said appropriation to be offset by $30,000 in principal loan forgiveness under the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF); and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, contract for, accept and expend any Federal, State or other available funds towards the project in accordance with the terms and conditions under which they are received and to borrow in anticipation of the receipt of such and or the issuance of such bonds or notes as provided in the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); and to authorize participation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) (RSA 486:14) established for the purpose, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept and expend such monies as they become available from the Federal and State Governments. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the project is completed or by March 31, 2022, whichever occurs sooner? (3/5ths vote required) What it means: The Town has already begun a program of electronically cataloging major assets and maintaining key documents and notes relevant to the major assets. Article 13 expands this program to include Wastewater Treatment assets. The $30,000 will be offset by a loan forgiveness program. Those in favor say: This continues work already begun by the Department of Public Works, and helps to protect the Town’s investments. Those opposed say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.


Fiscal impact: There is no tax impact. NH State Revolving Fund will provide 100% loan forgiveness. Article 14 – Updated Tax Credit for Elderly Exemptions Shall the Town modify the Elderly exemptions for property tax in the Town of Hampton, pursuant to N.H. RSA 72:27-a, based on assessed value, for qualified taxpayers, to be as follows: for a person 65 years of age up to 75 years increase to $140,000 (currently $125,000); for person 75 years of age up to 80 years increase to $168,000 (currently $160,000); for a person 80 years of age or older increase to $221,000 (currently $200,000). To qualify the person must have been a New Hampshire resident for at least three (3) consecutive years preceding April 1st, must own the real estate individually, or jointly, or if the real estate is owned by his or her spouse, they must have been married and living together for at least five (5) years. In addition, the taxpayers must have a net income of not more than $38,000 if single, or if married, a combined net income of less than $58,000, and own net assets not in excess of $250,000 excluding the value of the person’s primary residence? (Majority vote required) The purpose of this article is to modify the exemption for the elderly due to the recent revaluation of the Town in order for the exemption to keep pace with inflation and the general increase in property values so as to leave no elderly persons behind because of these value changes. What it means: The tax exemptions for elderly homeowners was established prior to our recent property revaluation. Article 14 proposes to increase the assessed values used to qualify residents for this exemption. Those in favor say: The intention is to keep the exemptions in line with the increasing property valuations so that the qualifying elderly are not taxed out of the Town. Those opposed say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: No direct tax impact. Article 15: Operating Budget of $28,322,336 versus Default Budget of $28,335,036 Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $28,322,336. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,335,036, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town of Hampton or by law or the governing body may hold one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only? (Majority vote required) Fiscal Impact Note (Finance Dept.) The proposed operating budget figure of $28,322,336 is an increase of $727,220 more than the budget amount adopted in 2019 of $27,595,116. The net estimated 2020 tax impact of the proposed operating budget is $0.193 per $1,000 valuation (nineteen point three cents per thousand dollars of valuation). The default budget figure of $28,335,036 is an increase of $739,920 more than the budget amount adopted in 2019. The net estimated tax impact for the default budget is $0.197 per $1,000 valuation (nineteen point seven cents per thousand dollars of valuation) What it means: The voters are presented with two budgets. The Default Budget is regulated by RSA 40:13 and is determined by the amount of the previous-year approved budget, as adjusted by debt service, and contracts/obligations mandated by law. The Default Budget will be the Operating Budget for the Town in the event the Proposed Operating Budget does not pass. For 2020, the Proposed Budget is an increase over the 2019 approved Budget by $727,220, but is less than the Default Budget by a difference of $12,700.


To calculate the effect on your property tax (for your specific property): Divide the Tax Assessor’s Valuation of your home by 1,000. (Example: for an assessment of $400,000 the number to use would be 400.) Use your latest tax bill, or visit the website listed below and enter your street address to get your valuation: http://gis.vgsi.com/hamptonnh/Search.aspx

Multiply your property valuation divided by 1000 by .197 to get the tax impact of the proposed Operating Budget. Multiply by .193 to determine the tax impact of the Default Budget. Those in favor say: The proposed Budget is less than the Default Budget for the first time since 2015. Those against say: No one spoke against the proposed Operating Budget at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: A Hampton home valued at $400,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $77.20 in 2020 if the Proposed Operating Budget is approved. If defeated, that same property would be billed $78.80. Article 16: Collective Bargaining Agreement - Firefighters Union ($87,623 for Current Year) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to approve the cost items included in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton Board of Selectmen and with the Hampton Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2664, IAFF, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at current staffing levels, over the amount paid in the prior fiscal year: Estimated Increase (over previous year level) 2020 (39 weeks) $ 87,623 2021 (52 weeks) $118,455 2022 (52 weeks) $125,166 2023 (13 weeks) $ 29,054 And to further raise and appropriate $87,623 for the current fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels? (Majority vote required) What it means: This Article provides a 2.8% salary increase, in line with the federally defined cost of living in 2019, meaning that Hampton Firefighter’s salaries will keep pace with inflation. Those in favor say: There is a scarcity of young people coming into the workforce with qualifications to fill firefighter and fire supervisor positions. Hampton has needed to run more than one hiring process to find qualified candidates. Frequently, professionals are accepting positions in other communities because our pay increases have been less reliable (get voted down frequently) versus surrounding municipalities in New Hampshire and coastal Massachusetts. If we want to attract and maintain good people, we need to pay them at a level that is consistent with surrounding communities. For example,

• Dover’s firefighters have a CPI-based COLA with a range of 2-4%. In 2018 they received a 3.2% increase, and in 2019 it was 2.8%.

• North Hampton's firefighters have a CPI-based COLA with a range of 2-4%. • Rye's firefighters have a 2.75% proposed increase for each of the next 3 years. In 2019, they received a 3.4%.

Those opposed say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: If Article 16 is approved, it will create an additional tax cost of $9.20 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 in the current fiscal year, and a maximum of $13.14 per year during the contract period.


Article 17: Collective Bargaining - Fire Department Supervisory Personnel ($31,742 Current Year) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to approve the cost items included in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton Board of Selectmen and the Hampton Fire Department Supervisory Association, affiliated with the Hampton Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2664, IAFF, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at current staffing levels, over the amount paid in the prior fiscal year: Estimated Increase (over previous year level) 2020 (39 weeks) $ 31,742 2021 (52 weeks) $ 38,398 2022 (52 weeks) $ 37,769 2023 (13 weeks) $ 9,499 And to further raise and appropriate $31,742 for the current fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels? (Majority vote required) What it means: This Article does not cover the Fire Chief, but it does include the Lieutenants and Captains who ride on the fire trucks and manage resources during events. It also includes the Fire Prevention Officer and the Medical officers who manage the ambulances. Like the Firefighters’ contract, and the Police Officers’ contract from last year’s Warrant, the contract provides a 2.8% salary increase, in line with the 2019 federally defined cost of living. Those in favor say: Hampton Fire Supervisors’ salaries will keep pace with inflation if this Article passes. See the comments under Article 16 - the requested increases are in keeping with raises in neighboring towns. If we do not keep pace, we will lose trained and qualified professionals to other communities. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: If Article 17 is approved, it will create an additional tax cost of $3.20 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 in the current fiscal year, and a maximum of $3.87 per year during the contract period. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .008 to get your cost. Article 18: Using the Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund for Winnacunnet Rd. and High St. Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $435,000 from the 1998 Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund, previously established, for the purpose of the survey, engineering and design work for replacing the Winnacunnet Road and High Street sewer and closed drainage system mains, sewer services, followed by curbing, sidewalks, school zone and pedestrian signage, street lights, traffic signage, paving of the entire roadway, and line painting. Reconstruction of the roadway may ultimately include traffic calming structures or other improvements to assist in controlling the speed of vehicles. Further to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, contract for, accept and expend any Federal, State or local grants and funds towards the project in accordance with the terms and conditions under which they are received for the purpose of sidewalks, CMAQ mitigation, State or Federal highway funding or Hazard Mitigation grants with said grants and funds to be added to the project; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to implement such cost effective solutions as are presented in the future that they deem to be in the best interests of the Town that may result in lesser amount of expenditure than is authorized by this warrant article; and


To authorize participation in the State Revolving Fund (RSA 486:14) established for the purpose; and To authorize the Board of Selectmen to take any and all actions necessary to carry out the project in the best interests of the Town. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the work is completed or by March 31, 2024, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: In 1998, Hampton voters established a fund to which taxpayers contribute on an annual basis. This money is being put aside for major road projects. The engineering and design work requested in this article will be paid for via this fund. Both Winnacunnet and High Streets have been on the Capital Improvement Plan for years. This article represents the first of the work being done to assess, design and obtain cost estimates for whatever is determined to be in need of repairs, upgrades, or other improvements. Those in favor say: Hampton residents are continually asking for improved roadways, and generally they are referring to paving the surface of the roads. However, it does not make sense to pave the roads when the infrastructure beneath them is failing. This request is for the engineering and design work to get Winnacunnet and High Streets ready for construction. This funding will establish a fully mapped out plan including costs. It will allow the cleaning and visual imaging of the sewer systems to learn what does and does not need to be replaced. Those against say: The only speaker against the Article at Deliberative Session stated that he is not in favor of replacing sewer lines when it is not necessary to replace them. Note: This speaker may have misunderstood because the article is for exactly that – to learn where we do – and do not – need to address the condition of infrastructure under the roadways so that we are paying for only what is necessary. Fiscal impact: There is no tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the Road Capital Reserve Fund for the specified purpose. The fund is currently valued at roughly $2.2 million but previously approved dollars have not yet been withdrawn. In 2018, voters approved the withdrawal of $1.5 million that will be drawn upon as the work is done and invoices are presented. If both Article 18 and Article 23 (new $300,000 contribution to the fund) are approved, the fund will be in the neighborhood of $500,000. Unassigned Fund Balance (UFB) Explained: Many of this year’s Articles are listed with costs, yet zero tax impact. That’s usually because there is loan forgiveness, or a grant offset, or in many cases, it is because the cost will be drawn from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This brief explanation is drawn from the Town Finance Director’s discussion in the Annual Report: In private industry, the Unassigned Fund Balance is referred to as “Retained Earnings” and is adjusted annually by the net income (income minus expenses). Examples of items that contribute to the Unassigned Fund Balance are receipt of federal grants; expenditures lower than budgeted and appropriated; interest on deposits higher than anticipated; income from the Real Estate Trust higher than anticipated; etc. The estimated 2019 Unassigned Fund Balance is $8.8 million. This is above the DRA 2019 suggested minimum balance level, and above the Municipal Association guidelines. There are 11 Warrant Articles that will utilize these excess funds. If all of these are approved, $1.3 million will be used from the fund, and that will still leave a balance higher than that recommended by either DRA or the Municipal Association. Articles # 19, 22, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38 and 39 are being offset by withdrawals from the Unassigned Fund Balance, and will have a “UFB” designation in the title of the discussions below.


Article 19: Contract for Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Current year $425,127 from UFB) To see if the Town will approve the Board of Selectmen entering into a three and a half (3 and ½) year contracts from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023 with separate entities that have submitted bids for the collection, transport and disposal of solid waste, recyclables, and construction and demolition waste, from the Town of Hampton with an annual increase in accordance with the Consumer Price Index-Northeast, Urban (CPI-U), and to raise and appropriate the sum of $425,127 to cover the increases in contract costs for these services for the second half of 2020 over the 2020 budget amount of $615,659 that is included in both the operating budget and default budget figures in the operating budget Warrant Article (#15); said sum of $425,127 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance in 2020 with subsequent years’ increases to come from the operating budgets in those years. Based on the bid prices and the increase in contract costs in accordance with the CPI-U, the estimated cost increase over the total fiscal year 2020 is $248,097. The contracts will entail the Town using the entities contracted with for the entire 3 and ½-year period? (Majority Vote required) Estimated Increases (over previous year’s level) 2020 (6 months) $ 425,127 2021 (12 months) $ 198,054 2022 (12 months) $ 24,777 2023 (12 months) $ 25,267 What it means: The current contracts for the collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste, recyclables, and construction and demolition waste expires in 6/2020. This Article would give the Board of Selectmen approval to enter into various 3 ½ year contracts with separate entities for the period 7/1/2020 through 12/31/2023 at the increased amounts as shown in the Article. The increase of $425,127 for the six months in 2020 would be paid through the Unassigned Fund Balance. Increases for 2021 through 2023 are based on the CPI-U and would be included in the Town’s Operating Budgets for each year. Those in favor say: Cost of waste removal and disposal are increasing and there really is no choice. Those against say: No one spoke against the Article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal Impact: There is no new tax impact in 2020 since it would be drawn from the Unassigned Fund Balance. The remaining 3 years would be included in the Operating Budgets. Article 20: Replace Locke Road Vitrified Clay Sewer Line and Drainage Systems ($850,000) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $850,000 for the purpose of replacing the Locke Road vitrified clay sewer line and the surface and closed drainage systems that services part of the street followed by the paving of the entire roadway, said costs to include survey and engineering. Reconstruction of the roadway may include traffic calming structures or other improvements to assist in controlling the speed of vehicles. The application of new pavement will occur in the year following the installation of the sewer and drainage replacement systems to allow for the proper settlement of the excavated roadbed. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the work is completed or by March 31, 2024, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: This expenditure is required in order to replace the pipes and drainage systems under Locke Road and to subsequently pave over the top of the repaired infrastructure.


Those in favor say: Locke Road is in poor condition, and has been on the CIP list for some time. Sewer lines are clay and weak or broken joints allow groundwater to run through the sewer system. DPW Director stated that we use about 350 Million gallons of water each year, 98% of which should be expected to flow through the Wastewater Treatment Plant. But in reality, over 900 Million gallons are being treated at the plant. This is because groundwater is infiltrating though cracked pipes or compromised pipe joints. That unnecessary processing of infiltrated groundwater is taking capacity away from our legitimate need for the treatment of wastewater, and if not addressed, will require further expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the future at a great expense to taxpayers. Those against say: One speaker expressed skepticism about whether the pipe needed to be replaced, and was seeking images of the pipes to be assured that the fix is really needed. Fiscal impact: If Article 20 is approved, it will create an additional one-time tax cost of $90.40 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .0226 to get your cost. Article 21: Repairs to Streets, Partially Offset by Highway Block Grant ($486,231 – Partial Offset) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $486,231 for improvements to streets consisting of a) paving overlays, b) adjustments to structures to permit paving, c) repairs and replacements to drainage, d) repairs and replacement to sewers if needed for pavement repair, e) repairs to sidewalks and driveway openings, f) crack sealing and curbing installation, and g) improvements and repairs to Town Parking Lots and parking areas. Upon completion of the work scheduled in this warrant article, if funds remain unused, the DPW may proceed to the next street(s) on their priority repair list until said unused portion is spent. Said appropriation to be offset by the State Highway Block Grant estimated to be $323,509. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the projects are completed or by March 31, 2022, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: Hampton has been successful in receiving a grant from the NH DOT Highway Grant Block Fund that helps to maintain Class IV and Class V “highways” (basically compact sections of town roads). Funds are applied to specific projects as identified by DPW and approved by the Board of Selectmen. Those in favor say: This allows the Town to pursue improvements to roads including paving overlays, repairs, crack sealing, curbing and associated utility improvements with a considerable offset from the NH highway grant program. Roads listed in the Capital Improvement Plan will be addressed according to the priority list, with the understanding that unforeseen circumstances will sometimes change the order of streets to be repaired. The current plan includes Park Ave, Elaine St, Richards St, the High Street parking lot, Cusack Rd and Acadia Ave. Those against say: One speaker at Deliberative Session was critical of the fact that the street names to be repaired were not listed in the Article for reasons of accountability. Another speaker offered the explanation that street names had been removed to allow flexibility – if funds were left over after the projects were completed, the listing of names in the article might have been interpreted as not allowing anything further to be done with those funds. By referring instead to the priority repair list found in the Capital Improvement Plan, DPW has the authority to move on to the next street on the list. Fiscal impact: If Article 21 is approved, it will create an additional one-time tax cost of $17.20 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .043 to get your cost.


Article 22: Purchase of DPW Vehicles ($303,000 – UFB) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $303,000 for the purchase of the following vehicles and equipment for the Department of Public Works, two (2) 3/4 ton trucks with plows; one (1) utility hot box; and one (1) 926M Caterpillar Loader, with any replaced vehicles to be traded in, if deemed to be prudent by the Public Works Director, Town Manager and Board of Selectmen. Said sum of $303,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until these purchases are completed or by March 31, 2022, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: These workhorse vehicles/accessories will be purchased using money from surplus funds. Those in favor say: The vehicles being replaced are in poor condition, and there are too many expensive repairs to make refurbishing the trucks a viable option. This is a critical long-term purchase. Those against say: No one spoke in opposition at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact. Article 22 would allow the withdrawal of the money from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the specified purpose. Article 23: Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund ($300,000) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300,000 to be added to the Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund created under Article 16 of the 1998 Annual Town Meeting in accordance with the provisions of RSA 35 for the purpose of maintenance and/or reconstruction of streets? (Majority vote required) What it means: $300,000 would be appropriated and added to the Road Improvement Capital Reserve Fund. This fund will be used for large projects to repair our roads in the future. The 2019 balance is $2,229,968, but that balance includes funds for a Warrant Article approved in 2018 for $1,500,000 for work on Lafayette Road. That money will come out of the fund when the bills are ready to be paid, but is currently part of the balance. Likewise, Article 18 on this Year’s Warrant, if approved will use $435,000 of that fund. This is why it is important to keep up the annual practice of contributing smaller amounts, so that when the large expenditures come up, the taxpayers are not hit with those large expenditures all at one time. Those in favor say: This fund is intended for large projects and significant issues. There is a five- member team that controls this line item. They accept recommendations from the Department of Public Works, but an outside committee makes the decisions. Those against say: No one spoke in opposition at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: The $300,000 cost in 2020 will create an additional tax cost of $32.00 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .08 to get your cost. This decision affects the current year only. Article 24: Flood Control Design ($200,000 - UFB) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200,000 to design flood controls for the protection of the west side streets off of Ashworth Avenue, Brown Avenue, the Island Path and Glade Path areas north to Winnacunnet Road, including NH Route 1A and the areas surrounding Meadow Pond, including High Street, King’s Highway, Gentian, Greene and Meadow Pond Roads, the areas surrounding


the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary and all contributing water ways. Such flood control designs are those recommended by the ongoing Flood Studies being conducted by the Town and the Town’s consultants. Funds may be utilized for the design and permitting of final engineering plans and construction plans for bidding purposes. Funds may also be utilized for necessary work projects that are needed to facilitate the construction of flood and drainage facilities prior to the issuance of construction contracts. Said sum of $200,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the work is completed or by March 31, 2024, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: The requested $200,000 will be used to create modeling exercises to produce data regarding flooding, water flows, sea level rise and the like in the Route 1A/Hampton Estuary area and surrounding streets. The objective is to be better able to seek funding for modeling solutions and preliminary designs, which can serve as the basis for implementation and construction. A related report is expected from consultants under a $185,000 award to the Town. The current focus is to determine which recommendations can be put through to design and to identify potential resources such as the Army Corps of Engineers. The town can then look for matching grants to implement the recommendations. This work would demonstrate the Town’s commitment, with a plan that will be needed to attract financial backing. Those in favor say: This process creates the “building blocks” for implementing solutions. It is in the best interest of the Town’s future real estate revenue stream to address this issue and to do it properly. Flooding happens today with much greater frequency than in the past. One possible solution may be “managed retreat” i.e. bringing properties back to ‘open space’ because the frequency of flooding is so much greater. However, if there is a combination of solutions that can alleviate the problem, people can stay where they are. Structures can be waterproofed, or elevated to allow water to pass under and flow back. The priority is to tackle the most vulnerable spots; perhaps construction grants could come from federal sources. A speaker made note of the fact that the real estate tax revenue of the town is at risk if homes become untenable in sections of the town. Those against say: Some skepticism has been expressed about what can be effectively done when water will keep coming over the seawall. Another speaker was concerned about the lack of specificity in the Warrant Article for the work that will be funded if the Article is successful. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund for the specified purpose. Article 25: Reconstruction of the High Street and Mill Road intersection ($195,000 total) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $195,000 for the reconstruction of the High Street and Mill Road intersection to include the replacement of sidewalk approaches in accordance with ADA sidewalk construction and the installation of underground piping for future pedestrian signal improvements as required. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purpose is completed or by March 31, 2025, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) NOTE – The $195,000 does not include the required work on the traffic control and lighting system that is in need of replacement, but does include the push button controls for the pedestrian crossing system. What it means: The project would include grade changes, ADA sidewalk construction and installation of underground piping for future pedestrian signal improvements. Although this funding would make the intersection ready for lighting control upgrades, it does not include the cost of those controls.


Those in favor say: The intersection of High Street and Mill Road is used for school children coming and going to both Marston School and Hampton Academy. The changes would help to make it safer for them to come and go to school. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: If Article 25 is approved, it will create an additional one-time tax cost of $20.80 for a Hampton home valued at $400,000. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .052 to get your cost. Article 26: Social Services Contribution ($183,039) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $183,039 for the cost of Hampton’s contribution to twenty-one (21) human service agencies in the Seacoast in the amounts corresponding to the agencies’ requests in the right hand column as follows:

These twenty-one (21) human service agencies shall each be required to give a written report at the end of the calendar or fiscal year 2020 to the Board of Selectmen highlighting what the funds were used for and what impact the funds had in assisting to achieve their goals and objectives? (Majority vote required) What it means: Each of the listed agencies will receive a donation from the town in the noted amount. The funds raised and donated last year are provided for comparison. This is an “all or none” Warrant Article. If the Article passes, all the listed agencies receive the specified donations. If it fails, none do. Those in favor say: This is something we do every year. These agencies handle issues that the town would need to handle if the agencies were not, so these donations avoid other, possibly higher taxpayer expenses. Those against say: This sort of funding should be voluntary, not mandated via property taxes. A person should not be required to support all of these agencies if he or she has a philosophical disagreement with one or more on the list.


Fiscal impact: The $183,039 cost in 2020 will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $19.60. This decision affects the current year only. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .049 to get your cost. Article 27: Parks and Rec Department Repairs, Improvements and Purchases ($126,700) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $126,700 for the following purposes of the Parks and Recreation Department: (a) Purchase playground equipment to replace old broken equipment for the Library Playground $35,000; (b) Skateboard Park renovations and concrete work, $20,000; (c) Landscape, tree and invasive growth removal at Lew Brown Park, Skateboard Park, Eaton Park and Tuck Park, $20,500; (d) Laser Grading at Eaton Park to make safer playing conditions, $20,000; (e) Tennis Courts and inline rink surface crack repairs, $9,500; (f) Recreation equipment maintenance, $4,000; (g) Recreation playground maintenance, $1,000; (h) General building repairs, $3,000; (i) Skateboard park maintenance $2,500; (j) Shed repairs, roof cleaning and new doors for the Cave Building, $6,700; (k) Replace two (2) garage overhead doors $4,500, all as determined by the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, and the Director of Parks and Recreation and to authorize the withdrawal of $126,700 from the Hampton Recreation Infrastructure Special Revenue Fund established for these purposes under Article 44 of the 2007 Annual Town Meeting? (Majority vote required) What it means: Every year, the needs of the Parks and Recreation Department are identified, and the voters need to approve withdrawal of the requested dollars from an established fund. Those in favor say: The projects will contribute to a safer play environment for the children of our town, and the costs have been covered by revenue generated from Town Parking lots. Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no tax impact because the money will be taken from a separate fund put aside for this purpose. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund. Article 28: Lease Agreement for Refuse and Recycling Trucks (current year expense $126,500) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a 5-year lease purchase agreement for one (1) Mack Cab Over Refuse and Recycling Truck with a Labrie Automated two sided Loader Body unit in the amount of $350,395, including interest, the yearly payment being $75,500, and one (1) Mack 16-yard rear loading refuse and recycling truck in the amount of $237,090, including interest, the yearly payment being $51,000, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $126,500 to fund said lease-purchase agreement in year one, with said lease purchase agreement to contain a non-appropriation clause? What it means: The recycling truck being requested is similar to 2 trucks the DPW already has. Three trucks had been traded in, and DPW is asking to appropriate the third with a 20-year life expectancy. The current front loader would not pass inspection. The NH Department of Revenue Administration requires that the total value of the vehicles, as well as the cost of the first year lease must be in the article. However, the lease can be terminated if circumstances change. Leasing allows the Town to cycle out older vehicles rather than wait until they require expensive repairs (as in the case of ownership). The lead-time for a new truck is 18 months, so the new vehicle would not be available until 2022. Those in favor say: DPW gets behind when there are delays for lack of vehicles. The townspeople pay good taxes and want reliable trash pick-up. Leasing is a good way to approach this need, because the town can quit the lease if there are changes in the trash/recycling industry that change our approach.


Those against say: Maybe the town should outsource the trash obligation, thus reducing the need for new trucks. (A response was provided at Deliberative Session that trash pickup was outsourced in the past but the Town stopped doing that because drivers from the private contractor were maxed out of overtime and streets were regularly missed.) Fiscal impact: If Article 28 is approved, it will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $13.60 for each of the next five years (unless the lease is terminated sooner). Take your property value divided by 1000 times .034 to get your cost. Article 29: Improvements to Emergency Communications Systems ($116,300 – 100% Offset) Shall the Town of Hampton raise and appropriate the sum of $116,300 for the purpose of improving the radio and Town emergency communications systems for the Police, Fire, Public Works, Building, Emergency Management and other Departments of the Town, said appropriation to be offset by funds in the amount of $116,300 to be received in the fall of 2020 from the State of New Hampshire under Chapter 346 of the Acts of 2019 (HB4) as unrestricted municipal aid? (Majority vote required) What it means: The Communications Systems for our various Town Departments will be upgraded to improve inter-communication throughout the town. Those in favor say: This is akin to the upgrades that homeowners make every several years on their phones. Over time, the software and sometimes the hardware becomes outdated and must be addressed to maintain effectiveness. The entire cost will be offset by funds from the state of New Hampshire. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no tax impact because the funds will be reimbursed by the State of NH. Article 30: Police Forfeiture Fund ($90,000) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $90,000 to carry out all lawful functions allowed under federal, state and local criminal justice forfeiture programs and to authorize the withdrawal of said sum of $90,000 from the Police Forfeiture Special Revenue Fund created for that purpose under Article 55 of the 2003 Town Meeting? (Majority vote required) What it means: During normal police operations, items of value may be forfeited by individuals. There are expenses associated with the management of such property, including storage, auctioning, returning items where appropriate, etc. NH law permits the auctioning of abandoned property where appropriate, and the monies so received are put into a fund. This Article seeks approval to use the funds to cover the cost of managing the forfeiture process and other activities approved via the RSA’s. Those in favor say: This is a standard, annual procedure. Those against say: Those opposed take issue with taking the property of others in the first place (as opposed to the withdrawing of money from the fund); or have issues with how the funds are spent. Both of these issues are defined at the state level and are not affected by the decision on this Article. Fiscal impact: There is no tax impact because the money will be taken from a separate fund. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund.


Article 31: Interior Building Improvements at DPW Main Offices ($85,000 - UFB)

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $85,000 for the purpose of interior building improvements at the DPW main offices. Improvements include the installation of an air filtration system within the main office to filter fumes and other airborne particles from entering the existing office space. It also includes the renovation of the existing kitchen/bathroom/meeting area to provide separation of the existing spaces to be able to facilitate meetings at the DPW office, to provide a location to have breaks and meals that doesn’t double as a meeting space and bathroom entrance, and to update the bathroom for unisex use. Said sum of $85,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purpose is completed or by March 31, 2023, whichever is sooner. (Majority vote required)

What it means: DPW Main Offices are located in a small, old building in the same vicinity as the public works operations. Fumes and other airborne particles infiltrate the working space. The referenced upgrades are needed to make the space safer and more hygienic for personnel who work in that building. The funds will come from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Those in favor say: We owe it to our Town employees to provide appropriate work environment.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund for the specified purpose. Article 32: Establish Revolving Fund from the Sale of Recycled Materials ($80,000 – UFB)

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to create a Recycling Revolving Fund in accordance with the provisions of RSA 31:95-h,I,(a) and RSA 149-M:4, XIX and XX, into which shall be deposited all funds received as income, fees and charges from the receipt or sale of recyclable materials and recycling, including, but not limited to a) materials that can be used to produce marketable goods, including but not limited to clear and colored glass, aluminum, ferrous and nonferrous metals, plastics, corrugated cardboard, vehicle batteries, tires from vehicles, paper, demolition materials, yard and earth materials, and any other materials that are collected, deposited with, charged for, reprocessed and recycled for a further or new use by the Town of Hampton or by others. Funds derived from such recycled materials shall be deposited into the Recycling Revolving Fund. The money in the fund shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year, and shall not be

considered part of the town’s general surplus. The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all moneys in the fund, and shall pay out the same only upon the order of the Board of Selectmen or the Town Manager without further approval of the legislative body (Town Meeting). Such funds may be expended only for the purposes for which the fund was created which is for the receipt, processing of recyclable materials, their collection, separation, storage, loading for shipment, the shipment of such materials, the purchase, replacement and repair of recycling equipment, vehicles, and carts, and the collection, storage, loading, and transportation expense and the cost of recycling personnel, contractors services directly related to those function and, to establish funding for this account to raise and appropriate the sum of $80,000 to be placed in such account with said sum of $80,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance? (Majority vote)

What it means: The $80,000 is seed money to establish the fund. Future contributions will come from revenues gained from the sale of recyclable material, and the fund will be used to pay for future expenses and purchases related to recycling.


Those in favor say: This was a suggestion of the Recycling Committee, and is a good idea because we will face large yet currently unknown impacts to how we process recycling material in the future. This fund will provide a source of revenue for dealing with those changes as they occur.

Those against say: Those who spoke against this at Deliberative Session objected to the use of the Unassigned Fund Balance, which might otherwise have been used to reduce taxes. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money to be used to set up the account was appropriated in prior tax years.

Article 33: FEMA Grant Program for Flood-Prone Properties ($50,000 – UFB AND 75% Offset)

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 for the purpose of participating in the FEMA Advanced Assistance Grant Program that will reimburse the Town 75% of the Town’s expenses in the grant program based on the expenditure of $50,000 in completing the program requirements, with said appropriation to be funded from the Unassigned Fund Balance; this funding will enable the Town to establish a process to prioritize, manage and administer requests for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds by Hampton on behalf of those property owners interested in elevating their structures or selling their vulnerable properties to the Town within the FEMA flood hazard areas that are or will be subject to sea level rise utilizing private and Federal funds? (Majority vote required.) What it means: Article #33 will fund the development of a process through which Hampton property owners can apply for FEMA funding to elevate their structures to make them more flood-resilient, or to sell their properties to the town (at fair market value), after which the structures will be torn down and the parcels converted to open space. These grant applications, according to FEMA regulations, can only be made through the Town. The money would fund a contractor (Rockingham Planning Commission) to provide administrative oversight, to ensure that all paper work submitted by property owners and the town meet regulations and that, should grants be awarded, all required reports are complete and timely through the completion of each project. These grants may enable people to elevate their structures who may not otherwise have the funds to do so. The Town has applied for a grant to cover this development process. Should that grant be awarded, 75% of the $50,000 ($37,500) will be reimbursed to the Town when the development work by RPC is completed, leaving the final cost to the Town at $12,500. The $50,000 in this warrant article will come from the Unassigned Fund Balance, meaning that there will be no additional tax impact. Those in favor say: The FEMA process must be initiated by the Town, and there is a daunting amount of administration that must be done to qualify Hampton residents for these FEMA grants. There is a possibility for a significant offset (75%) of the cost of the upfront process (as well as the 75% grants for the homeowners). If the 75% grant for the upfront work is not forthcoming, the project will not be initiated. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money will be taken from the Unassigned Fund Balance at the outset, and we will have 75% reimbursement via a grant.

Remember to bring appropriate photo identification with you when you go to the polls on March 10th.


Article 34: Transfer Station Improvements Feasibility Study ($50,000 - UFB) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 to conduct a Transfer Station Improvements Feasibility Study to balance the changing rubbish and recycling markets as well as current operations. The facility will require modifications to be able to address needs to segregate materials, improve internal operations, and make building modifications and research alternatives for disposal. The study will provide recommendations, facilitate immediate improvements such as the purchasing of storage trailers, dumping containers, earthwork, and provide planning level designs and costs for future appropriation requests. Said sum of $50,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation by RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purpose is completed or by March 31, 2024, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: The dramatic changes in the trash and recycling markets require modifications to our physical operation in order to segregate materials, improve internal operations, and make building modifications. There is also a need to research alternatives to our current methods of solid waste disposal. The study will provide recommendations, facilitate immediate improvements, and provide planning level designs and costs for future appropriation requests. Those in favor say: The world is changing as it relates to the disposal of solid waste. This has caused massive increases in the costs of handling such waste – not just for Hampton but around the globe. We need to give DPW what it needs to meet these new challenges. Those against say: No one spoke in opposition to this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund for the specified purpose. Article 35: Removal of Trees from High Street Cemetery ($50,000 – from Cemetery Trust Fund) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 for the purpose of removing trees from the High Street Cemetery in order to protect grave sites, gravestones and abutting properties and roadways, such sum to be used by the Tree Warden to contract for the removal of the trees and for the restoration of said Cemetery caused by such removal, and to authorize the Tree Warden in consultation with the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and the Cemetery Trustees, to contract the work for said purposes, and to authorize funding said appropriation through the withdrawal of $50,000 from the principal in the Cemetery Burial Trust Fund, which has a principal balance of more than $500,000 generated from the sale of cemetery burial plots? (Majority vote required) What it means: This Article would allow the Town to withdraw $50,000 from the Cemetery Burial Trust Fund (currently having a principal balance of $500,00 generated from the sale of cemetery burial plots) for the purpose of removing trees from the High Street Cemetery that are causing damage to graves, gravestones, roadways, and abutting properties. Funds also would cover the cost of restoration needed after such removal. Those in favor say: The trees are causing damage to the roads, stones, and graves. Many are bug infested and are in danger of falling, causing more damage. Those against say: It is a shame to remove the trees, as they add aesthetic value.


Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money will come from the Cemetery Trust Fund. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund for the specified purpose. Article 36: New Vehicle for Fire Prevention Officer ($40,000 - UFB) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $40,000 to replace and equip a new vehicle for the Fire Prevention Officer, this vehicle is utilized by Fire Prevention Officer to attend meetings at various sites, conduct on-site inspections and to respond to fires to investigate their origin and cause, the vehicle carries all necessary tools to perform the work of the Fire Prevention Officer as well as his firefighters turn out gear. Said sum of $40,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purpose is completed or by March 31, 2021, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: The existing Fire Prevention vehicle is 12 years old and would be traded in or sold. The funds will come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. Those in favor say: The Fire Prevention Officer carries the firefighter’s turn out gear in the back of his truck. The contaminated equipment is currently not separated from the driver, potentially putting the Fire Department employee in contact with known carcinogens. That will be remedied with the new truck. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund for the specified purpose. Article 37: Town Office Second Floor West Heating System ($32,000 - UFB) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $32,000 for the purpose of replacing the Town Office, Second Floor, West Side Heating System with a Heat Pump Mini-Split System to include all labor, materials, and utility connections, with said appropriation to be funded from the Unassigned Fund balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the project is completed or by March 31, 2021, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: This Article would approve the replacement of the current heating system on the second floor west wing of the Town Office with at Heat-Pump system. Cost of $32,000 includes all labor, material and utility connections, and would be paid for by the Unassigned Fund balance. Those in favor say: The current system is inefficient and does not properly balance the heat in the area. The proposed heat-pump system would save heating costs in the long term. Those against say: No one spoke against the Article at the Deliberative Session. Tax impact: There is no new tax impact. Funds would be drawn from the Unassigned Fund Balance. Article 38: Firefighters Protective Equipment Capital Reserve Fund ($27,500 - UFB) Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $27,500 to be added to the Firefighters Turn Out Gear/Personal Protective Equipment Capital Reserve Fund created under Article 17 of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting in accordance with the provisions of RSA 35. Said sum of $27,500 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. (Majority vote required)


What it means: In 2019, voters approved a $200,000 funding of a new Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement of Firefighter’s Protective Gear. This fund needs to be added to each year so that as gear expires and funds are depleted, additional funds will be available for future needs. It is a way to prevent taxpayers from being presented with a large bill all in one year. This Article would transfer the funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to the Capital Reserve Fund. Those in favor say: This is a standard, annual procedure to keep our firefighters safe. Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the Unassigned Fund Balance to be transferred to the previously-established Firefighters Protective Equipment Reserve Fund. Article 39: New Building Department Pick-Up Truck ($24,500 – UFB) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $24,500 to purchase a new mid-size pickup truck equipped with a two-way radio for the Building Department with a replaced unit, a 2012 pickup truck, to be traded-in or sold, if deemed to be prudent by the Building Inspector, the Town Manager, and the Board of Selectmen. Said sum of $24,500 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the purchase is completed or by March 31, 2021 whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required) What it means: This would be a purchase (as opposed to a lease) of a mid-size pick-up truck for purposes of the Building Department. It would replace an existing Ford F-150 truck, and would be paid for through the Unassigned Fund Balance. Those in favor say: A basic, no-frills vehicle will replace the current one that is showing signs of age. Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact because the money was appropriated in prior tax years. This Article is allowing the withdrawal of the money from the fund for the specified purpose. Article 40: Two Household Hazardous Waste Days ($20,000) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $20,000 for the purpose of conducting two (2) household hazardous waste collection days during calendar year 2020; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to permit the Towns of New Castle and Hampton Falls to participate in said collection days at their own expense; and to apply for, accept and expend for such purpose any funds from the State of New Hampshire, the Federal Government, and any private source as may be made available? (Majority vote) What it means: This is the opportunity for homeowners to responsibly dispose of corrosive or flammable items that would be a danger if they were to end up in the regular trash. Products such as paint thinner, spot remover, oven cleaner, furniture polish, drain opener, pool chemicals and hair spray are considered hazardous because they contain chemicals that are corrosive, explosive, reactive, flammable or toxic. Trash disposal of products containing mercury is banned, including thermometers, thermostats, electrical switches and relays, fluorescent light bulbs and button cell batteries.


Those in favor say: There will be two Hazardous Waste Collection Days this year, as there were last year. Hazardous Waste Collection Day assures that hazardous materials are not left on the street or thrown in the trash. The town has applied for a Household Hazardous Waste Grant from NHDES to offset the costs, and this allows the Town to offer the service at a reasonable cost for taxpayers. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: The $20,000 cost in 2020 will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $2.00. This decision affects the current year only. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .005 to get your cost. Article 41: Replenish Conservation Commission Fund ($20,000) Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $20,000 to be placed in the Hampton Conservation Commission Fund; this fund to be used to “acquire, maintain, improve, protect or limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve and properly utilize,” open spaces and conservation easements in Hampton in accordance with RSA 36-A, Sections 1 through 4, inclusive? (Majority vote required) What it means: This fund is a way of saving for opportunities, similar to the Capital Reserve Fund. Voter approval of this Article each year is primarily how the Conservation Commission replenishes the fund it uses to purchase, preserve and maintain open spaces. Those in favor say: The Town needs to support conservation land for the recreational value as well as to help manage excess storm water, maintain clean water, and preserve wildlife habitat. Open spaces previously protected by these funds have made possible the Victory Garden, the Town Forest, hiking trails, skating on Ice Pond, etc. These types of opportunities are very important to the quality of life in Hampton. The fund permits timely action when opportunities present themselves. Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: The $20,000 cost in 2020 will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $2.00. This decision affects the current year only. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .005 to get your cost. Article 42: Discontinue Public Works Equipment Capital Reserve Fund Shall the Town vote to discontinue and close the Department of Public Works Equipment Capital Reserve Fund created under Article 23 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting with a balance of $3,490.52 as of December 31, 2018, plus accrued interest, to be transferred to the Town’s General Fund to be used to reduce property taxes? (Majority vote required) What it means: The DPW Equipment Capital Reserve Fund was established by Warrant Article 23 of the 2008 Town Meeting. The sum of $340,000 was voted, and deposited with the Trustees for this new DPW Fund. In 2008 and 2009, the majority of the funds were utilized for DPW equipment. There were no additional funding deposits to the account in the subsequent years. Since then, a small balance has lingered in the account, and this Article seeks to return the balance to the taxpayers and close the Fund. Those in favor say: The fund has not been used in several years and should be returned to the taxpayers. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: No tax impact.


Article 43: Amend Membership of the Heritage Commission Shall the Town of Hampton vote to amend the membership composition of the Heritage Commission established under Article 45 of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting in that portion of said Article 45 beginning “As provided in RSA 673:4-a.” by amending section 1.(b) to read “one regular member of the Heritage Commission shall be a member of the Board of Selectmen” and by amending section 1.(c) to read “one regular member of the Heritage Commission shall be a member of the Planning Board.” This amendment is required for the membership of the Commission to come into compliance with the requirements of RSA 673:4-a, II. (Majority vote required) What it means: When Article 45 in 2019 was put forward, it incorrectly established that there would need to be one regular member and one alternate member (two each) from the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board. The NH Statutes require only one representative from each Board. Article 43 corrects the error from last year. No one spoke either for or against this Article, other than to explain it. Fiscal impact: No tax impact.

Articles 44-46 are Petitioned Articles Article 44: Christmas Parade Offset ($3,000) On the petition of Kristen Russell and at least 25 Hampton registered voters, shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate $3,000 to pay to Experience Hampton Inc, the organizer of the 2010 to 2019 Hampton Christmas Parades, to help defray expenses of the 2020 Christmas Parade and related activities? What it means: This request is for an annual donation to Experience Hampton to help fund the Christmas parade, which occurs in early December each year. Those in favor say: The parade involves many groups, including businesses, schools and local officials. The total cost of the parade is $15,000, of which the taxpayers are being asked to absorb a small fraction. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: The $3,000 cost in 2020 will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $.40. This decision affects the current year only. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .001 to get your cost. Article 45: Bronze Flag Holders/Grave Markers – American Legion On the petition of G. Berkley Bennett and at least 25 Hampton registered voters, shall the Town of Hampton raise and appropriate $6,500 to reimburse the American Legion Post 35, The Hamptons, for the purchase of 200 bronze service flag holder grave markers? American Legion Post 35 would, with the assistance of community volunteers, place or replace the markers so that the Town of Hampton may continue to properly honor the graves of our veterans in the High Street and other Hampton cemeteries. What it means: Last year’s Warrant Article of $6,500 for cemetery markers for veterans failed. The petitioner is requesting that the townspeople reconsider the amount of $6,500 that would about cover 200 markers to replace missing flag holders.


Those in favor say: The flags show respect for our veterans. If some markers have been pulled up, they should be replaced. Those against say: Some believe it is inappropriate for a non-profit to ask taxpayers to pay for the markers, suggesting that the American Legion should be fundraising and buy what they can each year. The community supports the veterans, but the marker money should be in the cemetery operating budget rather than as a separate Warrant Article. Fiscal impact: The $6,500 cost in 2020 will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $.80. Take your property value divided by 1000 times .002 to get your cost. Article 46: Add Step Up Parents to List of Social Agencies ($500) To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of $500 for Step Up Parents. Step Up Parents is a NH-based 501(c)(3) that provides financial assistance and support to grandparents and relative caregivers who have stepped up to raise the children of parents struggling with substance use disorder. These funds are used to provide help with needs not met through traditional state and local funding for such things as the cost of summer camp, music lessons, sports camps, daycare, food, clothing, automobile repairs, rent, and gas. What it means: If Article 46 is approved, two things will result. First, Step Up Parents will receive a donation of $500 in 2020 from the Town of Hampton, and second, the organization will be added in the future to the Social Services Warrant Article of donation recipients, thus increasing that line item in future years. (Article 26 this year). Those in favor say: Step Up Parents is an organization that is helping families torn apart by drug addiction, and specifically the children whose parents are unable to care for them. It is appropriate that the group be considered as one of the Social Services agencies to which the Town provides a donation each year. Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session. Fiscal impact: The $500 in 2020 will create an additional tax cost for a Hampton home valued at $400,000 of $.04. This decision affects future years as well.

VOTING DAY IS TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH 7 AM TO 8 PM AT WINNACUNNET H.S. REMEMBER TO BRING PHOTO ID.

YOU CAN BRING YOUR NOTES WITH YOU TO THE BALLOT BOOTH TO SAVE TIME. THANKS FOR BEING A THINKING HAMPTONITE.

Hampton, NH 2020 Town Warrant Articles In the Know …...Mar 03, 2020 · This document is intended...

Documents

Transcript of Hampton, NH 2020 Town Warrant Articles In the Know …...Mar 03, 2020 · This document is intended...